Deacon Manu confirmed as Fiji XVs captain

Prop Deacon Manu, 33, has been named as team captain by Flying Fijians Head Coach Inoke Male.

Head Coach Inoke Male in a FRU statement said that Manu will provide the experience that the front row needs when they take on England seeing that he can play both sides of the scrum but specialises at tight head.

“Manu has led the team before and has shown good leadership skills, with his experience and the respect the boys have in him I am confident that he has the qualities in him to not only lead the front row, but the whole team.”

The 33-year-old Llanelli Scarlets prop made his debut for Fiji in 2009 against Scotland and captained Fiji in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He has played 12 test matches for Fiji and was captain for the Flying Fijians in their game against Australia and also in the Europe tour in 2010.

Sireli Naqelevuki, Akapusi Qera, Kameli Ratuvou and Tuapati Talemaitoga have also joined camp.